Course overview

This CPD Diploma in Occupational Medicine offers part-time distance learning over six months for those preparing for the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM) Diploma in Occupational Medicine (DOccMed) examination.

On completion of our course, you will have achieved a level of knowledge and competence appropriate to a generalist working in occupational health. The course will:

provide an overview of the organisation of occupational health services in the UK;

explain the current health and safety at work legislation;

describe the common occupational hazards and diseases, their assessment and management;

introduce the disciplines of occupational hygiene, toxicology, epidemiology and ergonomics and equip you with some of the relevant practical skills;

extend your appreciation of the relevance of their clinical skills to the workplace environment;

encourage you to develop an active interest in occupational medicine and its relationship to your day-to-day work.

More information about the course, including the topics covered and how you will be assessed, can be found on the course details page. You can also see sample study materials to get a taster of what the content across our Occupational Medicine courses is like.

Who this course is for

If you are a GP and anticipate that occupational medicine will take less than 50% of your time, this is the course for you.

Our CPD Diploma is also suitable for doctors practising in other areas of medicine who would like to learn more about occupational medicine. Full details of the FOM Diploma examination regulations are available on the FOM website.

CPD points and further progression

Although our CPD Diploma does not result in an academic qualification from the University, students who have completed the course are eligible for 10 CPD points towards their re-validation. In addition, you have the option to transfer your credits and continue on to our postgraduate courses for a postgraduate certificate (PGCert), Advanced Diploma (AdvDip) or Master of Science (MSc) award, as shown below.

University attendance

Although the course is offered mainly via distance learning, CPD Diploma students are required to attend at the University on two separate days for examinations and lectures. For the intake starting in September 2018, attendance will be required on:

14 November 2018 (for Module 1)

9 January 2019 (for Module 2)

What our students say

"Distance learning fits in well with my work."

"The course is well organised with excellent speakers. It offers good preparation for the FOM exam."

"This course will appeal to future intakes because of the rich references and the excellent manner in which it is organised."

"The CPD Diploma is well organised and contains detailed relevant material that is practically applicable to everyday practice."

You can also see more detailed comments from our students on our postgraduate Occupational Medicine courses, which can help give an indication of what it is like to take the CPD Diploma course.

Entry requirements

evidence of English language ability at IELTS level of 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in any one component;

two references, no more than six months old. These references must be on letter-headed paper and be dated and signed by the referee. Each referee must also sign a Referee Report Form.

It is your responsibility to liaise with professional bodies on matters of eligibility for professional examinations. It is also your responsibility to check the appropriate syllabus when preparing for professional examinations. Every attempt is made to ensure that course material is as up to date as possible; however, the professional bodies will expect candidates to show knowledge of current/changing practice, some of which may not be available within the course materials.

How to apply

Applications for this course are made online via the University's postgraduate applications website. Please note when applying that the Programme Description for this level is 'Occupational Medicine (CPD)'.